Shaolin Ulysses - Kungfu Monks in America

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The whirling kicks and swift punches of Shaolin kung fu have been used to dazzling, choreographic effect in hundreds of Hong Kong action movies. The fascinating documentary Shaolin Ulysses: Kung Fu Monks in America looks at some real-world practitioners, monks who have chosen to bring kung fu and Zen Buddhism to America. The resulting juxtapositions are surreal. As a monk and his American disciple are interviewed in a Las Vegas Hooter's, the disciple throws an arm around one of the busty waitresses and declares this to be his temple; the monk looks on quizzically. Another monk has married a Catholic woman from Brooklyn; another talks about trading martial arts classes for guitar lessons on a Lollapalooza tour; another teaches kung fu to stocky police officers in Houston, Texas. These culture clashes are constantly surprising, but the monks' devotion to their craft is even more deeply engaging. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

Go to CMAOD dot com to learn real Shaolin kung fu and many other martial arts for cheap!.......2007-08-26

Shaolin kung fu is without question beautiful and if you wish to learn complete kung fu forms for only seven ninety nine per video disc, or slightly more for English-Chinese DVDs, visit the website that begins with the first letters of "Chinese Martial Arts On Disc": CMAOD dot com. "CMAOD dot com" offers every kind of kung fu form and style you would ever wish to learn from beginning to end: traditional hong gar, almost all styles of Shaolin, Dim Mak, traditional hong fist, animal styles, many fighting self-defense videos, wudang, er mei, and dozens of other complete systems of kung fu, including weapons, forms, and self-defense. You name it, you can learn it, without having to spend thousands of dollars to learn from phony kung fu teachers. Many Americans don't know that this website allows you to buy the best instructional VCDs and DVDs available. Visit the "wushu for youth" section of CMAOD dot com and you can buy the wushu fundamentals VCDs or DVDs that will teach you from the beginning stages. Visit the Shaolin section and you will find more fundamental Shaolin VCds or DVDs taught by two allegedly real Shaolin monks called Shi De Juan and Shi De Jian. I don't know how real their monkhood is, but they are gifted martial artists, and you can learn complete forms in many styles of martial arts. You've got to see this website to believe it. The owner Bill is a great guy, and offers great discounts on his website. You've got to visit CMAOD dot com to believe it. There are literally thousands of kung fu artists here that are "at least" as good as the so-called real Shaolin monks in China and America, and many are far far better. With a few bucks, they can be your teacher. If you can't find a good teacher in person, here's your only chance to learn real Shaolin or other styles for almost nothing. Ever wish you could find "the secret kung fu manual" to teach you various styles? Well, here it is in video disc or DVD form. Buy these VCDs or DVDs and enjoy learning great martial arts from top Chinese masters without worrying about being fooled by phony kung fu masters. Finally, every American has access to real kung fu learning at his or her own pace! I have written three international cover stories for Inside Kung Fu and Wushu Kung Fu magazines (now Kung Fu magazine) and can vouch that CMAOD dot com is the best source for learning authentic Shaolin and other kung fu step-by-step without being bamboozled by and kowtowing to phony practitioners of fake kung fu styles or schools. Learn at your own pace, according to your own interests from the best Chinese masters and grandmasters for less than eight dollars for VCDs.

Five Monks quest to spread Zen Buddhism.......2006-08-02

The five monks seemed excited to establish Zen Buddhism temples in America and teach the Shaolin art. Each Monk demonstrates his special discipline and skills. The monks seemed excited for cultural exchange. Many of them toured various cities of America. One master maintains a connection with the Shaolin Temple in China and each year sends students to China.

The Shaolin movements are very evasive, attacking from various angles and retreating backwards. The Shaolin movements including jumping kicks, split kicks (round and reversed), high crescent kicks landing and the ability to sideways on the ground, low horse stances, large and small circular closed fist and open hand strikes, movements left and right, and low twisting stances into punches advancing forward and backward. The movements are complex and often predict which way they will move. To one fight a Shaolin he will seem to be moving one ways then suddenly change and move another way, a strike and move pattern. By adding weapons to the techniques the Shaolin seems to fly around the floor with amazing acrobatic flips, spins, and twists.

Included in the film is a Tai Chi sword demonstration. This was wonder to see. I like the iron shirt demonstration which made the master seemingly imprevious to an hard strikes from a large wood oar and a crushing blow as four men used a railroad tie to ram into the body of the master. The two man tiger forms demonstrated Chinese chess piece training. Who could believe the impossible feat of break a steel bar over a masters head. The monkey form demonstration very interesting consider this form is rarely made public. The amazon leopard form allowed the artist too move smoothly from leaps into hand techniques and stances. One of the more agile forms. The kung fu weapons demonstrations reminded me of a marching band but with more power and energy. The group performed the weapon techniques in unison.

The masters seemed to radiate power in their hands and fist. The kicks end with a sharp snap. The strikes literally vibrate with power.

The documentary is a nice balance between interviews and demonstrations. Very enticing. In China the government uses Martial arts as a reason for community gatherings, religious worship, and culture celebration. Many of the masters studied exclusively the art. One master was able to heal his son after suffering a serious injury. One master expressed the desire for his son to study western education and the Martial arts. All of the Masters were impressive with the big style of Western culture. However, each Master sought to integrate the quietness and peacefulness of the Shaolin arts. I'm impressed with the intelligence of the system and the artist.

The real Shaolin KungFu.......2006-03-04

This is one of the most amazing documentaries that I have ever seen, and I am a documentary addict. I first saw this documentary on the PBS "Independent Lens" series, which is one of the finest shows on TV by the way. The physical and mental training involved in becoming a Shaolin monk is truly astounding. These are real Shaolin monks, not the cartoonish characters you see in those cheesy kungfu movies. These guys are beyond Bruce Lee even. You won't regret buying this DVD.

Great Info... .......2006-01-09

I maybe a bit biased due to the fact that Li Peng Zhang is my Sifu, but this is a great documentary. The information provided is accurate and presented in a manner that is captivating. If you are studying or want to study authentic Shaolin Kung Fu, this is one of the top three documentaries to watch. (The other two ar myths and Logic of shaolin Kung Fu and Secrets of the warriors power)

Excellent Documentary - highly entertaining.......2004-12-26

This excellently crafted documentary shows the ways in which five Shaolin monks have bridged the divide between East and West -- influencing Americans with their martial arts in ways that are surprising, and often heart warming. From Brooklyn, to Texas, to California, these diverse monks bring their individual immigrant stories in the pursuit of the American Dream. Excellent production quality, editing and story telling by the film makers.

Average customer rating:

Martial Monks Of Shaolin Temple
Starring: Dragon Lee
Director: Godfrey Ho
Manufacturer: Passion Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

The Martial Temple Collection: Shaolin Iron Finger/Satyre Monks

Average customer rating:

carter wong REALLY sucks when the people around him suck also

The Martial Temple Collection: Shaolin Iron Finger/Satyre Monks
Starring: Shaolin Iron Finger , and Satyre Monks
Manufacturer: Videoasia
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001IXSWS
Release Date: 2004-04-13

Customer Reviews:

carter wong REALLY sucks when the people around him suck also.......2006-03-06

That pretty much sums up this movie. Shaolin Iron Finger is for sure the worst bigname crappy kung fu movie.

Satyre monks-Nonsense, no point in making this movie whatsoever

Soory I gave a crappy review, nut I had to give a warning to not buy this to everyone.

If you see this as part of the 10 movie set as The martiasl shaolin collection, buy it. It also contains Shaolin:blood mission4/5, shaolin strikes back5/5, out of danger3/5, and another one with pai ying.
So don't buy this disc, but get it if it is part of that collection, released by video asia.

Average customer rating:

I am reviewing the tai seng martial arts theatre version.
fasle advertisement, misrepresentationNOT KILLER PRIEST
The "Priest" let me down.
TAOISM VS BUDISHUM
TAOISM VS BUDISHUM

Killer Priest
Starring: Sing Chen , and Robert Tai
Manufacturer: Xenon
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ASIN: B0000AINO9
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Description

Follow the life of high monk and the father of Shaolin Tamo, and witness the creation of the 10 animal forms of Shaolin.

Customer Reviews:

I am reviewing the tai seng martial arts theatre version........2006-05-07

And I have to say that tai seng really has no idea what they are doing. Hoe do you not do a commentary on this movie?!?!?!?!? I mean this is certainly one of the best weirdo kung fu movies. First off, the funky music is sweet! Sing chen is AWESOME as Tamo. At least I think he is Tamo. They don't really go over the whole evolution of kung fu at all, which he started. So not exacly a accurate representation, but sing chen plays the role that he is given PERFECTLY. Now I don't know if this is the original kilelr priest, but I am gonna guess that it is . The levitating phone shoe thing is the the shiznit. It is honestly one of the coolest things that I can ever remember. And to be honest, the fu isn't all that great or nothing, but the end fight with Phillip Ko is ABSOLUTELY worth watching this flick. I seriously cannot reccomend this movie enough if you are tired of the same old my school is better than your school movies, check this out.

And phillip Ko only has that one fight and it gets REALLY weird , but if you love these movies than you need this in your collection for that scene alone.

BEWARE OF THE PURPLE FIST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

fasle advertisement, misrepresentationNOT KILLER PRIEST.......2004-01-02

this case displays the movie killer priest and has pictures from the movie and the short uninformed summary of the original killer priest..but when i popped in the disc labeled "killer priest"...i saw a totally different film from the old classic i know and love!!!!! there was NO evil conman/sorceror, NO iron palm!! and of course NO levitating "killer priest".

check out the REAL killer priest on vhs. its under wu tang collection, but its not part of their shoddy dvd series!!!!!!
its a hard to find tape, most likely to be able to find on ebay, or websites for genre flix.

i contacted XENON and GOT MY MONEY BACK!!!!!

The "Priest" let me down........2003-12-23

The overall value of this disc is not very high at all.
There are no extras whatsoever. There are no language soundtrack or subtitle options. All you get is dubbed English soundtrack.
Despite the claims of a Xenon "remaster" the technichal quality here is very low. The print itself is in awful shape, really. The transfer is in fullscreen, yet the sides are compressed making everything look squashed.

The story itself is entertaining but only standard fare. The action is somewhat sparse throughout. The acting/direction is grade B and not to be taken too seriously.

Unless this film holds some great sentmental value to you I would recommend not spending your money on this dissapointing and careless "remaster".

TAOISM VS BUDISHUM.......2002-02-16

THIS MOVIE IS UNBELEVIBLE. THE PLOT IS ABOUT A MONK NAMED TAMO WHO TRAVELS FROM INDIA TO CHINA TO SPREAD THE WORD OF BUHDA. TAMO FIRST TRAVELS TO SHAOLIN TEMPLE BUT TAMO DOESNT SUCCEED VERY MUCH CAUSE OF THE NEW IDEAS. HE THEN TRAVELS TO THE GOVERNER OF CHINA IN WHICH TAMO FAILS TO DO. HE TRAVELED SOUTH TO LUNG CITY TO A YOUNG DOCTER NAMED CHI YUN. THIS IS AN AWESOME MOVIE. I WOULD RECOMEND THIS MOVIE TO ANY MARTIAL ARTS FAN

TAOISM VS BUDISHUM.......2002-02-16

Shaolin Iron Fist Collection - The Fighting of Shaolin Monk

Average customer rating:

Shaolin Iron Fist Collection - The Fighting of Shaolin Monk
Director: Lam Fook Dei
Manufacturer: Crash Cinema Media
ProductGroup: DVD
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Shaolin Iron Fist Collection - Disciple of Shaolin

ASIN: B0001ZX0LU
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Average customer rating:

1.5, but just so bad, I can't give it a 2.
Maybe the best film I have ever seen !
Plenty of chop for your dollar.

Martial Monks of the Shaolin Temple
Starring: Dragon Lee , and Wong Cheng Li
Manufacturer: Beverly Wilshire
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Customer Reviews:

1.5, but just so bad, I can't give it a 2. .......2006-04-30

Now if you know of Hwang Jang Lee(Wong Cheng Li), then that is probably the reason you are going to pick this up. But if for some reason you are a dragon lee fan, then you absolutely need to check this out. You will be able to see what a far superior martial artist can do. Not that I would consider dragon a MA at all. His top move is where he holds on to his leg and kicks while holding it. It is almost as good as the guy who wields the sword that is like bigger than him. That guy has a good technique of kicking his sword, brilliant. And then teh monk in this who starts out as a good guy, is just so out of place...

I can't go on reviewing a movie this bad. I would put this movie slightly below fury in the shaolin temple, but hwang's kicks are worth around 5 minutes of watching. So overall not worth the 3.99 I paid.

And the dubbing is classic(in a godfrey ho way).

Maybe the best film I have ever seen !.......2004-05-15

This truly stands apart from all other films. The action is non-stop, the kung-fu is great and accurate. I have the DVD (luckily the dubbed over version and not in Cantonese), and watch it regularly. Dragon Lee is superb in the starring role, although dress sense is un-nerving. Excellent action film.

Plenty of chop for your dollar........2002-03-03

If you get as much of a kick out of these movies as I do, and I mean for all the wrong reasons, like the poorly-dubbed dialogue, the embarrassingly over-wrought characterizations, the endless Kung-Fu choreography, and the downright dismal production values, then put this one on your list. It's really good for a laugh. Then get ready for a bit of a surprise. Because despite all the 'wrong reasons' its better than most. Dragon Lee has a fairly effective 'Jackie Chan' persona-won-choppa, including a pretty good funny-man bit. And for all you legions of female Kung-Fu fanatics, he's built like an advanced body builder - fly-weight division, of course.
Needles to say it's full of the usual tricks and gadgets and the story is just a seemingly endless chain of revenge killings until he works his way up to the top man. Dare I give away the ending? It's not quite what you might expect... And, yes, there is a restaurant scene where the owner is a timid little dork with a silly squeaky voice.

Average customer rating:

I am reviewing the tai seng martial arts theatre version.
fasle advertisement, misrepresentationNOT KILLER PRIEST
The "Priest" let me down.
TAOISM VS BUDISHUM
TAOISM VS BUDISHUM

Shaolin Monk
Starring: Sing Chen , and Robert Tai
Manufacturer: Tai Seng
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000062XFV
Release Date: 2002-03-19

Customer Reviews:

I am reviewing the tai seng martial arts theatre version........2006-05-07

fasle advertisement, misrepresentationNOT KILLER PRIEST.......2004-01-02

i contacted XENON and GOT MY MONEY BACK!!!!!

The "Priest" let me down........2003-12-23

The story itself is entertaining but only standard fare. The action is somewhat sparse throughout. The acting/direction is grade B and not to be taken too seriously.

Unless this film holds some great sentmental value to you I would recommend not spending your money on this dissapointing and careless "remaster".

TAOISM VS BUDISHUM.......2002-02-16

Martial Monks Of Shaolin Temple / The Bodyguard

Average customer rating:

MARTIAL ARTS ACTION & ADVENTURE , 2 Movies on 1 DVD
Both movies are bad quality, but one of the movies is actually decent

Martial Monks Of Shaolin Temple / The Bodyguard
Starring: Dragon Lee; Sonny Chiba
Director: Multi
Manufacturer: Miracle Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Customer Reviews:

MARTIAL ARTS ACTION & ADVENTURE , 2 Movies on 1 DVD.......2007-03-13

MARTIAL ARTS ACTION & ADVENTURE-REGION FREE-2 Movies on 1 DVD-1. Martial Monks Of Shaolin Temple:A battle between the Shaolin Buddhist Fist, Thunderstick, and Silver Cannon Fist styles.Dragon Lee brings explosive action to the screen.STARS:Dragon Lee,Wong Cheng Li,Director: Godfrey Ho.90 min, Color 2. The Bodyguard: Japanese and New York City drug-running gangsters face off against Sonny Chiba in this brutal gang war showdown! STARS: Sonny Chiba,Bill Louie, Aaron Banks,Judy Lee, Etsuko Shhomi,Director: Simon Nuchter.89 min, Color, 1974,AUDIO BOTH: ENGLISH DTS or Dolby Digital Sound

Both movies are bad quality, but one of the movies is actually decent.......2006-08-29

Now there is no point is going over Martial Monks of the Shaolin Temple. It has kickmaster Hwang Jagn Lee(Wong Cheng Li) once again matched up against Dragon Lee. This movie is so horrible I can't even describe it. But if you love really bad movies that are so bad they are good, this is definitely for you.

THE BODYGUARD-now this movie is right in the time that Chiba was doing his executioners movies, Mas Oyamo trilogy, Killing Machine, Streetfighter, Golgo, ...

He was a very busy man and this movie is a perfect example. He would take ANY tough guy role. Before Kevin Costner, we had a REAL tough man as the Bodyguard. Taking anti-hero enhancments from hsi other movies, he is ready to do what he needs to do to get who he wants. The movie starts out really stupid but does manage to be a very good movie. I am really stuck between a 3 and a 4 on this but I will give this film a 4. I didn't like his signature move being used over an over. You know, the one where he flies over the guy and then hits him on the head or something. But this is a good movie, mafia, local gangs, all kinds of good stuff.

Do you people think that Chiba has like permanent stains on his fingers from all of that blood?

Average customer rating:

"You lousy idiots. Your Japanese martial arts and ninja technique are not as good as you told me."
Nothing wrong here
Old "Skool" Kung Fu!!
Beware!!

Shaolin Drunken Fight
Starring: Chiu-sing Hau
Director: Man Po Tao
Manufacturer: Ground Zero
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0000844L8
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Customer Reviews:

"You lousy idiots. Your Japanese martial arts and ninja technique are not as good as you told me.".......2007-02-12

This is your basic story of a young man's family being killed and going to Shaolin to learn kung fu so that he can take revenge. The Shaolin monks rename him Wu Yen. It is a very low budget production. Characters show up only as plot devices that don't make much sense, the story is badly done, and the kung fu is mainly very unsophisticated. All of the fights at the beginning of the movie are very choppy and all involve swords. Some of the worst swordwork I have seen in a decent movie. Watching the monks train is a definite highlight and 40 minutes in there is finally some good hand to hand when a masked man shows up. It turns out to be Wu Yen's master and the plot is seriously as mindless as it gets. Ninjas show up and this means more bad weapon fights. Also expect all types of ninja tricks such as disappearing into thin air. If you are a lover of bad movies you will enjoy this no doubt. The corny dialogue is pretty funny a few times and there is a really weird part where 2 guys are fighting and their hands hit together and while they are trying to show their strength, their hands start smoking. Anybody know what happened in that scene? Wu Yen is good in every fight he is in but is the only above average performer. The villian is a large man but doesn't have very good screen presence. He does do decent fist and weapon work. The lack of fights is not the problem in this movie. It is the lack of good fights that make this movie tough to watch at times. The last 20 minutes is non-stop kung fu and carries right into the finale with the villian. This is a good 2-on-1 fight with decent use of a rope dart and poles. The last 5 minutes of the fight go back to hand to hand action before the drunken pole comes out and I found it very satisfying.

There are no recognizeable actors except for Chan Lau and Wu Yen's Shaolin monk teacher who you may recognize from 'The Fist, the Kicks, and the Evils' and 'Shaolin Disciple'. The monk is not a good fighter but he is not bad at acrobatics and his drunken pole technique is sort of fun. Chan Lau doesn't even get to do any comedy and he is mainly just running around as the main henchman.

This is a bad kung fu movie but mildy enjoyable if you are a hardcore fan. 2.5/5

The DVD from Groundzero's Eastern Heroes line is full screened and has bad picture quality but it is still more than watchable. The English dubbing is very bad and doesn't seem to go along with what is actually being spoken very much but it is not a very good movie to begin with anyway. There are 5 bonus fights on the disc that are good but have very bad pictrue quality. You can only see maybe half of what is happening in '7 Commandments of Kung Fu'. I don't think I will be buying the Eastern Heroes version of that.

Nothing wrong here.......2006-07-04

This is a fine transfer, nice copy, dubbed.. I don't see anything to complain about plus it's a decent old school fu movie.

I can readily complain about several fu films ive ordered from various companies, but this simply isn't one of them..

Old "Skool" Kung Fu!!.......2006-06-10

The copy I have was released by Eastern Heros, and it's very clear, the dvd transfer is really good. I have reservations when people come on Amazon to preview a flick, and score it simply on the picture, and or the dvd transfer,,,,,that is such a dis-service to the flcik itself. IF YOU HAVE A PERSONAL BIAS TOWARDS A CERTAIN COMPANY, THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR IT. This is about reviewing movies based on 4 elements: The story (PLot), the cororgraphy/ Cinematography, The Quality and the overall production of the flick. Accordingly,,there are people out there who actually read these reviews before going out to buy a movie!

This is actually a decent flick, certainly would not have make my top 10,,,but the drunken fights and training literally sold the movie for me!!!

Beware!!.......2004-03-12

Most of the movies released by Eastern Heroes
are overpriced boot-legs with horrible picture
quality! Investigate thoroughly before buying
trashy dvds!

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